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How can joint swelling and deformity in RA be treated?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I have swelling on my ankles, elbows, and some fingers, along with deformity in my right wrist. Currently, I am taking Ayurvedic medication. I need a consultation.
Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, have completed your family, and do not want to conceive further, then start DMARDS (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), Methotrexate 15 mg once a week, and Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg morning and evening if you have active arthritis. Start a low dose of Methylprednisolone (Sterio 4 mg) once daily and Pantop 40 mg before breakfast. If you want to have kids, then instead of Methotrexate, take SAAZ (Sulfasalazine) 500 mg morning and evening. Also, mention your C-reactive protein and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Is Prednisone a safe alternative to DMARDS?

Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Prednisone is not a DMARD. It is a steroid. It does not prevent joint deformity. Only Methotrexate does.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At March 28, 2018
Reviewed At November 13, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Rheumatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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